05-29-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

What type of equipment is subject to the special requirements on small cell technology? The statute defines type of equipment, which include: "Small wireless facility": (1) A wireless facility that meets both following qualifications: (i) Each antenna is located inside an enclosure of no more than six cubic feet in volume or, in the case of an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna and all its exposed elements could fit within an enclosure of no more than six cubic feet. (ii) All other wireless equipment associated with the small wireless facility, excluding electric meters, concealment elements, telecommunications demarcation boxes, battery backup power systems, grounding equipment, power transfer switches, cutoff switches, cable, conduit, vertical cable runs for the connection of power and other services, and any equipment concealed from public view within or behind an existing structure or concealment, is in aggregate no more than 28 cubic feet in volume. (2) A micro wireless facility. "Wireless support structure" means a new or existing structure in a public right of way designed to support or capable of supporting small wireless facilities, as reasonably determined by a local government unit. "Collocate" or "collocation" means to install, mount, maintain, modify, operate, or replace a small wireless facility on, under, within, or adjacent to an existing wireless support structure that is owned privately or by a local government unit. What additional requirements must cities consider to comply with Minnesota's Telecommunications Right -of -Way User Law, as amended? The law sets forth specific requirements related to placement of small wireless facilities or installation of new wireless support structures. The below information highlights items cities will want to consider when drafting an ordinance or amending an existing ordinance. Again, cities should work with their city attorneys to ensure full compliance with the law. NEW STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING PLACEMENT OF SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES IN RIGHTS OF WAY If a city decides to regulate or require permits for placement of a new wireless support structure or collocation of a small wireless facility, then the city should be aware that: ❑ Small wireless facilities and wireless support structures are a permitted use, except that in districts zoned as single-family residential use or district identified as historic (either by federal law or ordinance), a local government unit can require a conditional use permit. 4